The 85-times capped Neville enjoyed a glittering playing career at United under Alex Ferguson and he admitted he had discussed the move with his former mentor.
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In his first role as a number one, Neville has been appointed as head coach until the end of the season at Los Che, who are now ninth in the table.
Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores, who both played for and managed Valencia, has stressed the key to Neville’s chances of succeeding will be his attributes as a manager, with the fact he has not been a part of a Spanish club before not necessarily important.
The former Manchester United and England defender said on Thursday at his presentation that it was time “to stand up”. He said he could imagine people fishing out the clips of him passing judgment on men in similar positions over the years and that he now had to take that step himself. This is a wonderful club. But when I was there I said, “Keep possession of the ball”.
“As a coach we like to drive through those qualities on to the players and now we have Gary Neville with us”.
“I understand over here I have to prove myself to the Valencia fans, the players and anyone who has doubts and concerns will only be convinced by winning football matches”. Obviously confidence has been an issue recently but that happens at all football clubs. I have spoken to him in the last few days. “He is diligent, hardworking, and talented”.
The Singaporean businessman also owns a 50 per cent stake in Salford City, with the rest split between Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and the Neville brothers.
“My family will move over here permanently – my girls will finish school in two weeks and will move to Valencia with my wife”.
Neville is determined to make the most of his short-term role, and insists he will dive headfirst into the Spanish culture in order to make a success of his stint. Neville will not take charge of the match at the Mestalla, leaving his younger brother and interim manager Salvador Gonzalez in charge. “There is no magic formula.” added Neville, speaking in his first news conference as head coach.
Neville has very little time to settle in.
Valencia will play Barcelona in the league on Saturday without a manager as Neville’s first game in charge will only be against Lyon in the Champions League next Wednesday.
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Valencia’s fans are among the most demanding in Spain, nostalgic for the league trophies won under Rafa Benitez more than 10 years ago.
